Does life really get better as you get older?

Keepitsimple · 51-55, F

I am comfortable in my skin and my home life is stable. Kids are grown and I’m young enough to enjoy life still.

Not really.
It's just that your priorities change.
Just because your 'chicks may have flown the nest' doesn't mean they worry you any less. Or something else hasn't filled that particular void and is equally as emotionally draining or just as expensive.

Caring for a parent or relative is more likely these days.
And if like me you have one to take care of daily and another in the care of Nursing staff several miles away, welcome to emotional/financial drain #2.

Some I suppose might be lucky enough to have been able to pay off most of their mortgage by the time they hit their mid-50's.
But if you've never earned enough to be in a position to buy, there's another worry.

And then there's the inevitable decline in your own health/wealth/relationships.

It's hard work being Human.

trackman11 · 61-69, M

It does. There are certainly challenges and when your health declines, that is a big one. But, as you age your perspective shifts; you see patterns, consequences, and you understand people and life at a deeper level. It is true that life makes some bitter and I doubt that is better, but my experience is a narrowing of what truly matters, an acceptance that neither myself or anyone else is perfect, freeing me up to simply be my best and easily forgive others. Knowing that many answers are and will always be out of our reach allows me to use science without worshipping it, choose to have faith and not feel I have to prove why to others. To hold grandchildren as babies and know they have amazing potential because I have witnessed so much personal growth from people I know. I think it is highly likely that as you get older life will get better.

SW-User

In some aspects

SirenCalledLuce · F

No you just give less shits and shed stress in doing so.

maxeen · 61-69, F

it all depends on the money. ..

and who is in your family tree...

Doomflower · 36-40, M

You get better at life

rjc36 · 56-60, M

I think a little better and a little worse. You don't put so much time into worring about things as much. So that's better. But your body starts to wear out.

latinbutterfly · F

Compared to how I grew up, things have definitely gotten much better.

indyjoe · 56-60, M

It does in many ways as you gain more insight, maturity, knowledge, understanding, and experience which helps to navigate through life, but in other ways it doesn't always (physical issues, financial issues, family/friends/lovers leave or die, etc.)

Floridian · 70-79, F

There's old and then there's OLD (90+). If you're fortunate enough to live to be older than 90, everything gets difficult, IMO. But there's a sweet spot between 45 and, say, 75 when, if your health is good, you're at the top of your game and yes, life can be good.